LSU-Florida: Can the Chinese Bandits Stop Superman?

Chinese Who? Or should we be more politically correct and say “Asian Bandits.” 

Whichever. The point is that the mighty LSU Tigers defensive unit back in 1958 under former coach Paul Dietzel, had the nickname “Chinese Bandits.” 

The “Bandits” earned that nickname due to their size and style of play: small, quick, fearless, and the amount of turnovers they created. 

Coach Dietzel only had two players who weighed more than 200 pounds, but the Tigers' tenacity was fierce and was the catalyst to LSU’s first national championship. 

The 1959 “Bandits” finished the year holding opponents to an average of only 143.2 yards per game.  No other LSU defense has beaten that record.

A tradition of reverence for the defense still exists today.  Whenever LSU forces a turnover or gets the ball back after a defensive stop, the Tiger Band plays the Chinese Bandit tune as fans bow repeatedly until the song is over. 

The big question for the 2008 squad is: How much will the band be striking up that tune as they head to Florida to take on the Gators?

This year's LSU defense is proving to be average compared to squads from the past.  Many expected the D would be better, but losing Bo Pelini to Nebraska may have something to do with it.  Maybe not.

The biggest disappointment has been in the secondary. 

The secondary is young and inexperienced, and it has shown.  LSU allowed an average Mississippi State team to score 24 points. Last year, LSU shut out the Bulldogs 45–0. 

If LSU can’t put the pressure on Tebow, it might be a long night for the Tigers. 

I’m sure Urban Meyer has a great game plan to confuse the Tiger cubs and will put constant pressure on them.  Look for big plays if the LSU secondary can’t get its act together. 

This weekend might be a good time for Urban to run a back out of the backfield, which he typically doesn’t.  It seemed like Mississippi State ran a back out of the backfield to catch passes for significant gains at will. 

As the game gets closer, the Gators will expose LSU’s defense more than any team they have faced this year. The “Bandits” are going to have their hands full.